Former Nigeria international Sylvanus Okpala has expressed disappointment over the Super Eagles’ slim chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Okpala, who was part of Stephen Keshi’s backroom staff when Nigeria won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, said he had offered to work with then-interim coach Austin Eguavoen without taking a salary. He believes that if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had accepted his proposal, the team would still be in control of their qualification hopes.
Eguavoen had replaced Finidi George after his short spell in charge and led Nigeria to just one defeat in six AFCON qualifiers, securing a place at the 2025 tournament. However, the NFF appointed Malian coach Eric Chelle in January, a decision Okpala strongly opposed.
“When we had six matches left, our destiny was still in our hands,” Okpala said. “I advised the NFF to leave Eguavoen in charge. I even offered to join him for only camp allowances and match bonuses, with an agreed payment if we qualified. But they ignored me and brought in a foreign coach.”
Before Chelle’s arrival, Nigeria had failed to win any of their first four World Cup qualifying matches. Under him, they have recorded a 2-0 win over Rwanda and a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, leaving them with seven points from six games — six points behind Group C leaders South Africa.
To qualify, Nigeria must win all their remaining matches and depend on other results. The Super Eagles last appeared at the World Cup in 2018, exiting in the group stage.